Sunday, July 13, 2014

Why Portable Spill Containment Berms Play Such An Important Role In Cleaning Up Pollution

By Marylou Forbes


It sometimes seems as if the human race is hell bent on destroying the planet as quickly as possible. The damage done to the environment on a daily basis is on a vast scale and it happens everywhere. Millions of tons of potentially harmful chemical substances are made, used and transported every year and accidents are not uncommon. In such cases the potential harm to the immediate environment is often of catastrophic proportions. Luckily, in many cases it is possible to restrict the affected are by using specially designed portable spill containment berms.

Limiting the affected area is very important, but it is only the preliminary step in a total cleaning up operation. These operations can be expensive and specially trained crews are necessary. However, it is important that the spilled substances are removed from the accident area and taken to a facility that is able to destroy it safely. In order to do this specialized equipment is normally needed.

Scientific advances have given birth to specially engineered agents that are able to render chemical pollutants harmless. Some of these agents achieve this by absorbing the pollutants, allowing clean up crews to remove it. Other agents are able to speed up the natural bio degrading process. Of course, these agents will only be effective if the spilled chemicals and toxins can bio degrade in the first place.

One of the latest advances is the development of yet another agent that not just absorb the chemicals, but that actually change them into a harmless substance. Even better, the resultant substance has economic value. It can be sold to contractors that build roads and manufacturers of a large variety of rubber products. This agent can do much to lower the cost of cleaning up operations.

There are still many other instances where these agents are not effective in cleaning up spoiled chemicals. In large bodies of water, for example, the only remedy is to use specialized machines to separate the harmful toxins from the water. The toxins are then pumped into floating containers that can be towed away for disposal. This type of operation is very expensive and must often be attempted in difficult weather conditions.

In some instances the authorities cannot deal with an accident involving harmful chemicals. This may be due to a shortage of funds or of trained cleaning crews. In many cases accidents happen in remote or inaccessible areas or rough oceans. Priority is therefore given to cases where there are dense populations or environmentally sensitive areas.

Enterprises that deal with harmful chemicals should do everything possible to prevent accidents. They should have strict policies governing the handling and transport of these substances and staff should be trained to deal with accidents speedily and effectively. It is equally important that the appropriate equipment is available at all times. Taking preventive measures is the responsible thing to do.

Pollution is a reality. It is true that the cost of cleaning up operation can be prohibitive and that such operations can even be dangerous. However, it is the cost to the environment and the danger to human and animal health that should remain the deciding factor. Role players should do everything within their power to prevent spills and to act immediately when it happens.




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